1963 Honda S500 vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 43 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 114 kg more than 1963 Honda S500.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Honda S500. (45 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Honda S500 | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S500 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 531 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
